Walk of Shame

You know how it is: Strange things happen when you least expect them. But this is of course more like a female (tweaked) version of Hangover. The situations occurring here are a crude mix of what might have happened to someone on many different nights. Elizabeth Banks is a good sport, having to endure and go through a lot. If you want to see one, there's also a message about strong women here (which is not a bad thing at all, considering the stereotypes we get to see here).

Clichés and jokes may not always mix well, but the passion of the actors involved (even if James Marsden is merely a bystander in this one as are most of the other in the Banks show on display) do help the movie to elevate above other comedies. Not much, but at least a little bit. Obviously comedy/humor is not something that will be viewed the same by everyone. Tastes are different and this might not be your movie to watch

With the slew of "get drunk, end up in bad situation" movies that have flooded the industry, it was hard to get excited for this movie. I enjoy Elizabeth Banks and the trailers did seem funny. I just couldn't help but have that feeling of "been there done that". And that feeling is valid but it doesn't mean that the movie was bad, in fact, I quite enjoyed it.

The plot plays out like any number of movies in the genre. Main character gets drunk, wakes up in a bad situation and has to try and retrace their steps to get from point A to point B (point B often being supremely important). While the plot was predictable, it's what happens between point A and point B that matters.

Despite the number of movies similar, the director was still able to find some uniquely funny scenes to put Banks' character in. Some scenes that come to mind are an impound lot and a crack house. While not all scenes hit the mark, there was enough here to be worth a viewing. I also found the running gag about Banks' characters profession to be extremely funny.

So what make this seemingly mediocre film worth viewing? Two things in my opinion. Firstly, this is the first movie of this type where I actually felt for the character. I wanted her to get where she wanted to go and that kept me involved in the movie. Secondly, I appreciate the fact that we can have a movie like this without relying on extremely rude and crude scenes. Yes, there is profanity and some implied sex but in comparison to other films with similar plots (Hangover), this movie is tame. But that doesn't mean it's not funny as I feel it is able to remain funny throughout.

If you into movies like the Hangover, Hot Tub Time Machine, or Bridesmaids, then this is a must watch. If you love comedies then this is also a good bet. It may not end p being a movie you need to own but you can do much much worse than giving this movie a shot.

Always loved Liz Banks. Not very common to have a picture perfect face with a even better skill to back it up. Ms Banks is clearly one of the few such lead actors. Honestly, the story line has holes you can fly choppers right through them. But hey, it's comedy, right? But without Ms Banks, I don't think this could have worked. She has the thing to pull the viewer in and ride alone with her with sympathy and lighthearted fun. No Oscar stuff here. But this movie is smart, sexy, and fun. Love it!

No matter what else is said.. the movie officially begins at the eleven minute mark when she puts on that 'can't hardly describe it' yellow dress. From that point on, it is the honest reason why you're staying watching this movie. Overall the film is cute, and has a chuckle or two (some scenes are in fact very funny).. but it's that dress sticking in your mind keeps you watching. That and the perfect hair... that's 'wanna own up to it or not' is the essence of this film. You'll watch all the rest, and not very long after will not easily remember any of it. But should the vision of that dress come back to mind, it'll bring back much more than you thought you'd ever recall.

Forget every negative review you may have read. This is a delightful film from start to finish. It's hilarious, first of all, and second of all, it's about people you actually care about. What a refreshing change!

With echoes of "The Out of Towners" and "After Hours," the movie works mainly because of Elizabeth Banks's character. She's funny, she's likable, she's sexy... what more could you want out of a screen heroine?!

The writing, for the most part, is realistic and smart. A well-structured story full of unpredictable events and offbeat characters. Full of surprises. Full of tiny details (like the plastic center in a pizza delivery box... how many times have we dealt with that... yet when has it ever been in a movie??)

But perhaps most importantly, the movie has heart. And taste. It goes so far above and beyond what passes for comedy these days, it's ridiculous. Farrelly Brothers, Apatow and especially Adam McKay -- watch and learn.

So if you want to see a well-written, well-directed, hilarious movie with a great premise that will put a smile on your face for 95 minutes, see "Walk of Shame." I have absolutely no shame in admitting I loved it.

(And normally I hate just about everything these days.)